Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali was known as an iconic symbol of Black pride, self-determination, and resistance to white domination and was bold to the start of the civil rights movement. Ali courageously demonstrated his dedication to peace and justice by refusing induction into the U.S. Army and famously claiming that “unless you have a very good reason to kill, war is wrong.” Such commitment to humanity was one of the many reasons why Ali was admired across the world as one of the greatest sporting figures of the 20th century.
From an early age, Ali was determined to make a difference in the world and fight for justice and equality. He quickly established himself as an iconic symbol of Black pride and self-determination, and was essential to the start of the civil rights movement as we know it today.
The strategy Ali used is the press to get his voice heard. He was darfted in the vietiam war. but chose not to go because he didnt believe in the war. he says in a interview that “my conscience won’t let me go shoot my brother, or some darker people, or some poor hungry people in the mud for big powerful America,” he said. “And shoot them for what? They never called me [the N word], they never lynched me, they didn’t put no dogs on me, they didn’t rob me of my nationality, rape and kill my mother and father…. Shoot them for what? How can I shoot them poor people? Just take me to jail.”
Ali courageously demonstrated his dedication to justice and peace when he refused induction into the U.S. Army, famously claiming, “Unless you have a very good reason to kill, war is wrong.” This firm stance on social justice quickly gained him respect and admiration from people around the globe. Throughout his career, Ali was committed to using his platform to fight for civil rights and racial justice.
Overall, Ali’s courage, strength, and dedication to peace and justice are what made him one of the most celebrated and beloved sporting figures of the 20th century. Ali has motivated me to always fight for whats right and always be a leader. He continues to be an inspiration to me and to millions of people today and will always be remembered as a powerful voice for human rights and a symbol of courage and resilience.
